Meghan, Duchess of Sussex found "safety" in bookstores when she felt "uncomfortable" with royal life

Speaking at the opening of new bookstore Godmothers over the weekend, Town + Country magazine reported Meghan said: "For me, sneaking to New York five years ago was a really big deal.

"I was still so uncomfortable being out in the world.

"The safety of what I was craving, I knew I could find in a bookstore."

She went on to thank the store's founders, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Victoria Jackson, for "not just creating the space, but for holding the space for so many people to feel seen through the pages, either in laughter, in grief, in feeling less alone.

The duchess attended the opening with her husband, Prince Harry but they had to make a swift exit to look after their children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

The outlet reports she told guests after the speeches: "Wasn't that incredible? I've got to make dinner for the kids."

The name of the store was inspired by Harry, who at a Beverly Hills party for his memoir, 'Spare', described the founders and their friend Oprah Winfrey his "fairy godmothers" as he thanked them for their support.

And as the plans for the store took shape, the media mogul told her pals: "There's really only one thing you can name it: Godmothers."

The prince's tome was on prominent display at the opening, and he is said to have silently pointed to it when asked if he had a book recommendation.

The founders were delighted to have the royal couple in attendance for the opening.

Victoria said: "Seeing them be able to come here and be in a safe space, it's what we want it to be.

"Their support, and the light that it will shine on Godmothers, is pretty extraordinary."